withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

withstand the impact of a landing

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms

• buck
• defy
• fight
• oppose
• repel
• resist

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like many transient trends that resurface after years, freestyle braids epitomize this era with a touch of timelessness that withstands the latent regret that seems to come with skinny brows and Trucker hats. —Tiana Randall, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2024

The lightweight aluminum frame supports up to 330 pounds and features a durable finish to withstand outdoor weather and lots of use. —Sarah Garone, Parents, 28 Apr. 2024

The chair supports a maximum of 350 pounds and is built to withstand rain and wind due to its use of high-density polyethylene materials. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2024

Missing from the case are any of the numerous public officials who allowed the complex to be built by zoning the land, approving building plans and issuing construction permits, together failing to ensure that the project had been constructed to withstand violent quakes. —Ben Hubbard, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024

No charges were brought, and President Joe Biden’s victory over Trump has withstood a nonpartisan audit, numerous lawsuits, a partial recount and a review by a conservative law firm. —Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024

The presence or absence of pier protections does not provide a clear indication of whether a bridge can withstand a vessel strike. —Júlia Ledur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

While sheet moss can withstand moderate foot traffic, most species don't do well with constant foot traffic. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024

However, Hilliard-Knapp says that isn’t always necessary as some wind chimes are specifically designed to withstand winter conditions. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully